Philip has handled this trial with complete awesomeness. He has never cried "why me?", rarely if ever complained. Just did what he had to do to make himself better. I pray he is always that emotionally tough. I know where he gets it from and it makes me smile to see one of Chris' best qualities displayed in him.
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| life ain't too bad...Harry Potter on the Kindle and Starbuck's hot chocolate |
There was the outpouring of support from our family, friends, church, school, etc. Dad and Susan went above and beyond the call by sitting with Philip for lots of my carpool runs. Both even drove William to school alone on several occasions. Mom sat with Philip so I could attend the many Christmas school celebrations. Church friends provided dinners for us for three weeks. School friends showered Philip with gifts and mail over the six week period. His teachers sent notes in the mail and special art and science projects to help fill his days. I could go on and on...but to sum it up it felt good to be loved so well.
I think the experience changed all of us a little bit...a little bit for the better. For six short weeks, we were able to see what it was like to be the parent/sibling etc. to a child with special needs. We saw the adults that stared at us as we walked through the mall. We experienced the warmth from everyone at the post office...everyone, including the postman, going out of their way to help this mother with an eight year old in a stroller and an odd looking contraption. We answered the strangers questions. And for the first time, my older two heard the words "we are praying for you" and understood what that meant. And that's just our outlook from the public...
Then there was our learning experience at home. It took a little more patience than normal from everyone. Lots of strength from Chris and myself carrying Philip up and down the stairs. Even Daniel said tonight before bed, "I'll be happy to not be his servant anymore." Ah, sweet boy, what a good lesson for you...because until those words were spoken, you, too, never complained about your situation. You fetched things for Philip, played games that he could play, and simply continued to be his best buddy without complaint. Even when he got lots of positive attention.
I hope to always remember Philip and I's special time at home...one on one time you don't typically get with an eight year old with three younger siblings. I'll remember the days spent in bed reading Harry Potter...I'd start reading and eventually fall asleep and he would then pick up and read aloud to me. Or our trip to the atrium where I needed to get some work done and subsequently watched him get lost in his own work. Upon leaving, he asked, "Mom, will you get me a Bible on my Kindle so I can read it anytime?" Precious, precious memories.
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| at work in the atrium..copying a map of Israel |
Of course, another doctor's appointment means a little anxiety. Yes, the cast is no fun, but it is an unpleasant that I know...one I have figured out. I am a little nervous about the braces and how Philip is going to handle them. A little anxious about his ability to walk once the cast is removed. Concerned about school and how we can handle the stairs and braces there. Each appointment brings anxiety...but eventually more answers...and hopefully one step closer to the healed hip.
We can do this! We've come so far!
